History of MTI School of Minsitry

MTI School of Ministry (formerly Ministers Training Institute) was founded in 1978 by Dr. Jim Clark with a vision of practical ministerial training.  We have been doing this successfully for over 30 years. Hundreds of pastors and missionaries from all over the USA as well as in other countries have been trained and equipped through the MTI courses.

After graduating in 1991, Donnie Shaffer moved to Brazil and started a ministry training school with Project Amazon. Hundreds of Brazilians were trained and equipped to fulfill their respective ministerial callings. In 1996 MTI Brazil became affiliated with the Vision International Education Network and Donnie continues to work with them today as the World Zone Leader for Portuguese Speaking nations. Donnie was integrally involved in the development of a leadership training program for their local church in Brazil (Igreja da Paz Central) that grew from 500 to over 10,000 members in a span of eight years. We are proud to continue with the long established traditions of MTI and Vision International University here at MTI School of Ministry.

MTI School of Ministry is a member of the Vision International Education Network. Through our affiliation with VIEN a student may pursue an internationally accredited degree (concluding in an Advanced Diploma with Vision International College Australia) or a religious exempt Bachelors degree with Vision International University USA.

We believe we have some of the most exciting and visionary ministerial training available today.  Every year we look forward to seeing “Ordinary People fulfill Extraordinary Dreams.”

Our Headquarters is located in Central, LA. We have operated satellite campuses in:

Gulfport, LA; Pearl River, LA; Augusta, GA; Biloxi, MS; Charleston, SC; Conway, TX; Reserve, LA

MTI also has International Locations in Brazil and Lebanon

For more information about the Vision International Education Network see... www.vision.edu

History of the Vision International Education Network - www.vision.edu

In 1974, Vision began both in Tasmania, Australia and San Diego, California. Dr. Ken Chant, founder of Vision Bible College, began in Launceston, Tasmania. Simultaneously, Dr. Joseph Bohac and Dr. Stan DeKoven began Logos Institute, a local church training program in practical ministry and counseling. By 1977, Dr. Chant moved his school to Sydney, Australia, joining Pastor Allan Langstaff, where the Vision Bible College program grew. Logos Institute continued as a counseling ministry and training center, while Dr. DeKoven pursued studies in psychology and theology. By 1982, Dr. Chant moved to the United States (St. Paul, Minnesota). He established his program there. Dr. DeKoven returned to San Diego after having earned his doctorate and continued to expand the Logos program. Simultaneously, Dr. Randy Gurley, Chairman of the Board of Regents and Executive vice-president of Vision, began his Bible College teaching ministry eventually merging with Vision. By 1985, Dr. Chant, in response to a strong leading from the Lord, brought his outstanding Bible College to San Diego, California. Vision Bible College was legally and rightly incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1985. By 1987, Dr. DeKoven and Dr. Chant had established a full-time, short-term campus and eventually merged their hearts and visions. The network of affiliated campuses, the desire of Dr. DeKoven’s heart, began to be established and has grown as is described hereafter. 1990 was a pivotal year for Vision. Dr. Chant, in obedience to the Lord, returned to his native Australia. Prior to his leaving, Vision Bible College, under Dr. DeKoven’s direction, had expanded to its present University status. A headquarters site was purchased in the beautiful community of Ramona, California, where the present headquarters continues to be based. A local campus and a counseling center are also located at this site.